Integer Subtraction On The Number Line: Car Model
![](https://www.dropbox.com/s/khh950cm6e4upn2/blue_front_car.jpg?raw=1)
![](https://www.dropbox.com/s/3zegf2z4sreu8ne/blue_left_facing_car.jpg?raw=1)
![](https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wsf7j5yw3r6ram/blue_right_facing_car.jpg?raw=1)
![](https://www.dropbox.com/s/87u5w2kh13yav7o/integer_number_line.jpg?raw=1)
INTEGER SUBTRACTION ON THE NUMBER LINE: CAR MODEL
- Examine the first number you are subtracting.
- If the first of the two numbers you are subtracting is positive, face the car rightwards, in the positive direction.
- If the first of the two numbers is negative, face the car leftwards, in the negative direction.
- Drive forwards, in the direction the car is facing, to the location given by the first number.
- Examine the second number you are subtracting.
- If the second of the two numbers you are subtracting is positive, face the car rightwards, in the positive direction.
- If the second of the two numbers is negative, face the car leftwards, in the negative direction.
- Drive the car backwards, opposite to the direction the car is facing, a distance equal to the absolute value of the second number.